Learning to sew, starting small.

For more info on any of these designs visit the store or contact me on Facebook.

A few people have asked me recently how I learnt to sew and where to start when you're first learning. Apparently I have a lot to say about this, but let me start by saying I am by no means an expert and I'm still learning daily.

I first learnt to sew in year 8 Home Economics where I made the obligatory PJ pants and other basic pieces. But from high school up until a couple of years ago I did very little sewing and whilst I occasionally looked into it, not having my own machine put a stop to any grand plans.

For my 24th birthday Mum bought me a basic machine and I started making a few dresses for myself. However whilst I liked some pieces, most I wanted to throw in the bin in frustration that my hours of hard work had come to nothing! Sometimes it was because the fabric I loved on the roll, I hated on my body.  Other times it was because the final piece looked nothing like the pattern and at the time I knew nothing about customising and adjusting to fit my body.

It wasn't until I fell pregnant that I started getting serious about sewing.  For some reason my hormone-laden brain decided sewing 40-odd cloth nappies was the best way to prepare for a new baby.  Because you know, babies need that many options for catching poo and wee.  (uh oh, a sewing post and I managed to slip 'poo and wee' in.  Excellent).  To make matters worse, I only made small and medium and ummm, have you seen the size of my gorgeous boy?!

Regardless of how useful those 40 odd nappies were, they gave me an awful lot of practice at sewing basic pieces.  They also gave me a nice dose of confidence to make more things for Eamon.

So my advice to someone who wants to start sewing would be; start small, literally.  Sewing for children and babies is so satisfying because their clothes are so little, which means you get to see the finished product before you give up and throw it in the 'one day' pile. Also there is less chance that you will be picky about how the item sits on the body because let's face it, kids look cute in everything! (see above photos for evidence)

Another great thing about sewing for babies and kids is that you need very little fabric, so even if you completely stuff up, you haven't wasted much money.  And if you are really worried, check out your local op shops, they often have some great new fabrics from people clearing out their fabric stashes (I'm apparently not the only one with a problem). Or if you get really stuck, an old sheet can always be cut up to practice on. 

Made from a wool blanket found at an op shop. 

The best thing about learning anything these days is the internet (but the fact that you're here reading means you probably already know that, right?) There are millions of Youtube tutorials on pretty much every sewing technique so whenever I get stuck, google is my bestfriend.  Plus you don't even need to purchase any patterns to get started, Sew Set has so many free patterns and tutorials that you are bound to find one you like.  

Of course once you get going, you might want to venture back into full size sewing and actually sew something for yourself.  But I have to warn you, little people sewing is addictive!

So what are you waiting for...? Go... sew!

Ps.  Have you entered the group giveaway yet?  Over $200 worth of prizes!